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Numbers 34:1-29 – The Boundaries of Canaan

God limits Canaan within certain bounds. The borders are set that the Israelites might know whom they are to drive out, how far that extends, and what they can expect to possess themselves. God sets bounds to our circumstances and possessions, and we need to learn to be content with that. The Promised Land is actually quite small. It is thought to be but about 160 miles in length and about fifty in width, and yet this is the country which is promised to the children of Israel. Though small it is extraordinarily fruitful, otherwise it couldn’t have sustained such a great nation. Those that have their portion in heaven have reason to be content with a small part of this earth; but, as is the case here, what is lacking in quantity is made up in quality; a little that a righteous man has, having it from the love of God and with His blessing, is far better than the riches of the wicked.

Canaan is a pleasant land, and yet it is bordered by wilderness and seas. In the same way the church is surrounded with the desert of this world, which makes it appear the more beautiful. Many of Canaan’s borders are its defenses, to remind Israel that the God of nature is their protector. The border reaches to the river of Egypt, that the sight of that country which they can look into out of their own might remind them of their slavery there and their wonderful deliverance. Their border begins at the Salt Sea, and there it ends. This is the lasting monument of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, a constant warning to them to beware those sins which were the ruin of Sodom. The conquest of the land is taken for granted here. Known unto God are all his works beforehand, and what is new and surprising to us He perfectly foresees, without any confusion or uncertainty.

Question

  1. Why does God set bounds to Canaan?
  2. What should the sight of Egypt remind them of?

Prayer Points

  1. Pray that you would be content with what God has given you.
  2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
  3. Pray for family matters.